Braces are orthodontic devices used to align teeth and help position them properly. Braces apply gentle pressure on teeth which causes them to move into desired position over months of treatment.
What Are The Different Types Of Braces is an important question for those considering orthodontic treatment options. Knowing the various brace types allows people to make informed choices based on individual needs, preferences and lifestyles.
The main types of braces are fixed braces, clear aligners and lingual braces. Fixed braces use brackets and wires to straighten teeth and are best for complex cases. Clear aligners such as Invisalign are nearly invisible and removable but less effective for major corrections. Lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth for discretion.
Types Of Traditional Braces
There are different types of traditional braces used to straighten teeth. Metal braces are the most common option. They use brackets bonded to the front of the teeth. Elastics or wires are attached to the brackets to apply pressure and movement. Ceramic braces are similar but less noticeable. They use transparent or tooth-colored brackets rather than metal.
Another option is lingual braces. These place the brackets and wires on the back side of the teeth rather than the front. This makes them less visible when a patient talks or smiles. They can take more time for treatment since the orthodontist has less direct access to the back teeth. Overall, traditional braces are effective but more visible during treatment.
What Are Metal Braces?
Metal braces use small metal brackets that are bonded to the front of the teeth. These hold resilient arch wires in place that apply constant pressure over time. As the teeth move, the wires and brackets are adjusted by the orthodontist during regular checkups. Treatment typically takes 12-24 months for full correction. Metal braces are sturdy and reliably move teeth into proper alignment. They remain the standard for orthodontic correction.
Metal brackets can stain or irritate the gums for some patients. Keeping good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing is important. Metal braces are also visible when talking or smiling, which some people prefer to avoid. However, they achieve excellent results and are covered by most dental insurance plans, making them an affordable option. Overall metal braces are tried and true for orthodontic treatment.
How Do Ceramic Braces Work?
Ceramic braces function just like metal braces but use translucent or tooth-colored brackets. This makes them less visible during treatment. The brackets are custom made from dental ceramics to blend in with a person’s individual tooth color. Clear arch wires still slide through and exert pressure as teeth shift into place. Treatment times are on par with metal braces.
While less noticeable, ceramic brackets can be more prone to breaking than metal. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important to prevent staining. They also do not align teeth as quickly as other removable options. But ceramic braces offer a discreet choice for those who want traditional orthodontics but without the conspicuous metal look. Regular adjustments are still needed throughout the course of treatment.
Why Use Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces place the brackets and wires on the backside of the teeth rather than the front. This hides them from view when talking or smiling. Adjusting the brackets initially requires impressions of the rear teeth. Installation then mounts the orthodontic equipment lingually for discreet movement.
However, lingual braces pose extra challenges for the orthodontist compared to front brackets. Less direct access to adjust in the mouth limits their ability to correct complex cases. Treatment times also tend to be longer, averaging 18-30 months. Despite this, lingual braces are a good option for those who want orthodontic alignment with maximum confidentiality.
When Are Clear Braces Used?
Clear aligners are a good alternative to traditional braces. They function without any visible metallic brackets or wires. Instead, clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth apply controlled pressure. Patients switch out their set of aligners for new ones every 1-2 weeks as teeth adjust.
Clear aligners are best suited for cases with minor tooth misalignment that does not require extensive movement. They may not be as effective as other options for more complex bite problems. Regular dental visits are still needed to monitor progress. But for many people, clear aligners discreetly treat teeth without the obvious sign of orthodontic care. They are removed for eating and replaced after, making them comfortable as well.
Advantages Of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic that applies constant pressure as it is worn. They are removable, so eating and brushing are easy without having to maneuver around wires or brackets.Treatment times average 6-12 months, depending on the case complexity.
Clear aligners are less noticeable than traditional braces and do not contain metal parts that can stain or irritate soft tissue. This low-profile appearance makes them a good option for teenagers and adults who want discreet orthodontic correction. Regular checkups with the orthodontist are still required to ensure proper tracking, but clear aligners offer a removable solution for straightening smiles.
What Makes Invisalign Effective?
Invisalign is one of the leading brands of clear aligner therapy. It uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays to gradually shift teeth into the right position. Digital scans and 3D modeling plan out the entire treatment before it begins. Prescribed aligners are customized for an individual’s mouth and worn sequentially as teeth need adjustment.
Regular monitoring by an Invisalign provider ensures teeth track properly to the planned results. Subtle tooth movement occurs as aligners are regularly switched out, usually every 1-2 weeks. Proper wear of 22 hours per day is important for effectiveness. Invisalign is effective for mild to complex cases and achieves results comparable to traditional braces.
How Can Snap Aligners Straighten Teeth?
Snap aligners are a newer clear option that works in 4-6 week cycles rather than individual aligners. A single set of upper and lower retainers move teeth in the determined phases. Embedded teeth buttons are attached during impressions to aid correction.
Using the same retainers over extended cycles results in faster treatment than methods requiring aligner changes. Regular dental visits ensure effective tracking to the proposed outcome. Snap aligners simplify the process while achieving smile transformation for those wanting to straighten teeth discreetly in 4-6 months or less.
Are Clear Correct Effective Orthodontic Treatments?
Clear Correct is another popular brand of clear aligner therapy. Treatment begins with impressions of the patient’s teeth that are used to design a unique series of clear plastic aligners. The customized set of aligners apply controlled pressure in two-week intervals as wearers switch them out.
Regular checkups verify that teeth are on track for the planned results. Clear Correct treatments are suitable for mild to moderate cosmetic or alignment issues but may not be right for complex bite problems. Clinical studies demonstrate it effectively shifts teeth positions similarly to braces. With proper wear and follow up care, Clear Correct harnesses the power of discreet clear aligners for straightening smiles.
Why Choose Essix Retainer For Braces?
Essix retainers are a type of clear plastic retainer often used after braces to maintain corrected tooth positions. They are made from a mold of teeth at the end of orthodontic treatment. This durable, removable retainer fits closely like a mouthguard over the dental arches.
Essix retainers are prescribed for full or part-time wear depending on a patient’s individual risk of relapse. They maintain subtle force on teeth to hold new positions until bone and gum fibers fully solidify around stabilized arches. Most orthodontists have patients wear their Essix retainer for at least one year following braces removal. The clear retainer is easy to wear without limiting daily activities and keeps smiles straight for long-term results.
Alternatives To Traditional Bracing
There are several alternatives available to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are one option and involve wearing nearly invisible plastic aligners. They move teeth slowly over time and can be removed for eating and cleaning. Another option is inman aligners which use flexible wires and brackets to straighten teeth.
Inman aligners work differently than traditional braces. They use flexible aligning wires and brackets that are custom made for each patient’s teeth. The brackets are often clear or tooth colored to be less noticeable. Treatment usually takes 9-18 months with frequent checkups to change the wires. They are removable which makes eating and cleaning easier.
What Is The Process For Inman Aligner Braces?
The process for Inman aligner braces starts with impressions of the teeth being taken. These are sent to a lab to create a custom treatment plan. Small brackets will then be bonded to the front teeth. Initial aligning wires are installed which will be changed frequently as teeth move. Patients visit the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks to check progress and install new wires.
Treatment time with Inman aligners averages 12-18 months. Full time wear is required for the first few months until teeth start shifting. Then patients can remove them for short periods like meals. Clear retainers are usually worn after treatment to hold teeth in place. Inman aligners offer a less restrictive option than metal braces that doesn’t affect speech or ability to brush well.
How Does Implant Supported Bracing Help?
Implant supported bracing uses small titanium implants placed in the jawbone to anchor braces. Wires or plates are attached between implants and teeth for guiding tooth movement. This allows orthodontic forces to be carefully controlled and distributed between implants and teeth. It provides improved anchorage compared to conventional braces or aligners.
Treatment with implant supported braces progresses similarly to other orthodontics. Teeth are gradually shifted into proper position through small daily adjustments. Patients need good oral hygiene and regular visits during the 9-18 month process. Implants eliminate need for extractions or headgear sometimes required with traditional braces. Success rates are high for correcting both overbites and underbites.
Are Removable Braces A Good Option?
Removable braces are a good alternative for minor tooth straightening or as a follow up to traditional braces. They resemble clear plastic trays that slip over the teeth and are held in place with wires or plastic clasps. Treatment usually takes 12-24 months with removable braces worn 20 hours a day on average.
Patients must be diligent about wearing their aligners as directed for the appliances to be effective. Removable braces are less likely than traditional braces to correct severe misalignments, but they are a comfortable option. It is still important to visit the orthodontist regularly to check on progress and receive new aligners. Removable braces allow normal eating and do not limit oral hygiene.
What Is Smiledirectclub Braces Treatment?
SmileDirectClub offers clear aligner therapy delivered directly to customers. An online 3D image of teeth is taken and treatment planned by an orthodontist. Aligners are then 3D printed and shipped to be worn as directed, usually replacing them every 2 weeks. The entire process can be done remotely without visiting an in-person orthodontist.
SmileDirectClub treatment usually spans 5-7 months and requires full time aligner wear initially. Close monitoring through progress reports are important since no regular orthodontist visits occur. It is best suited for minor corrections like small gaps or rotations rather than severe misalignments. Successful results require discipline and following aligner wear instructions carefully. Overall it provides a telehealth option that is more affordable and discreet than traditional braces.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Braces
There are several factors to consider when choosing braces including cost, treatment time, possible limitations, and personal needs/priorities. Comfort level with certain types of braces like clear aligners or traditional metal brackets is important. Full or part time wear requirements along with potential dietary limitations also impact decisions. Getting opinions from multiple orthodontists can help select the right solution.
Other considerations include the severity of the dental issue, need for dental work like extractions first, insurance coverage, long term outcomes, and preference for fixed vs removable options. Asking orthodontists about their experience, success rates, and payment plans lets patients fully understand their choices. Overall choosing braces requires weighing these various factors against one’s values and lifestyle.
Which Braces Are Best For Mild Or Severe Misalignment?
Clear aligners are a good option for mild misalignment. They gently move teeth in small adjustments over time.
Traditional metal braces work well for moderate misalignment. Metal braces apply continuous pressure to straighten teeth faster than aligners.
For severe crowding or crooked teeth, ceramic or lingual braces may work best. They apply more force than clear aligners but are less visible than metal braces.
Invisalign is a good aligner option for mild to moderate cases. Its clear plastic trays are comfortable and barely noticeable.
Self-ligating braces require fewer adjustments but can handle mild to severe misalignment. They use smaller brackets that apply constant light force.
Palate expanders help make room in the mouth before any brace treatment. They are needed for severe crowding caused by a narrow upper jaw.
| Braces Type | Mild Misalignment | Moderate Misalignment | Severe Misalignment |
| Clear Aligners (Invisalign) | Best Option | Good Option | May Not Be Enough |
| Traditional Metal Braces | Good Option | Best Option | Works Well |
| Ceramic/Lingual Braces | – | Good Hidden Option | Best Hidden Option |
| Self-Ligating Braces | Works Well | Works Well | Works Well |
| Palate Expanders | – | – | Often Needed First |
How Do Braces Cost Differ Based On Complexities?
Braces costs can vary significantly based on several treatment complexity factors determined by the orthodontist. More complex issues generally mean longer treatment, more adjustment visits, and higher fees. Traditional metal braces tend to be cheaper for straightforward cases but cost more than other options for severe malocclusions.
Factors affecting price include extent of crowding, number of teeth to be moved, need for tooth extraction, type of braces, and orthodontist experience level. Clear aligner therapy usually costs more than braces for mild issues but may be comparable or less for very complex cases. Insurance coverage and payment plans from orthodontists can also impact out of pocket costs. Long term costs are similar despite initial price differences from choosing the right solution.
What Attributes To Look For In An Orthodontist For Braces?
When choosing an orthodontist, credentials, experience level, interpersonal skills and office environment are key attributes. Look for someone with specialty accreditation and continued education in advanced techniques. Ask how long they’ve practiced orthodontics, success rates reported, and treatments they commonly provide. Patients should feel comfortable with the orthodontist’s communication style.
Other valuable traits include being thorough during consultations to understand the issue and solution, availability for questions between visits, and a friendly supportive staff. State of the art technology like intraoral cameras and 3D imaging helps track progress and engagement via smartphone apps. Consider location convenience balanced with these other qualities when selecting the best orthodontist.
Are There Age Limits For Getting Braces Treatment?
While many people get braces during the teen years, orthodontic treatment can begin at nearly any age. Young children between ages 6-10 are sometimes good candidates if primary teeth shifting affects permanent teeth alignment. Early intervention may shorten treatment time. Adolescents and teens through age 18 are also common since permanent teeth are still developing.
Adults are also successfully treated as long as there are no underlying health issues. Some orthodontists even specialize in braces for older patients. Invisalign aligners are a popular discreet option. Overall, the best age depends on individual dental maturity and orthodontic needs. Minor irregularities can wait, but major issues are easier to adjust earlier when bone and tooth structure remains changeable.
Taking Care Of Braces For Desired Outcomes
Proper oral hygiene routines must continue throughout orthodontic treatment to achieve the best straight teeth. Brushing with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily is essential. Flossing daily is crucial for keeping gums and areas between teeth healthy around brackets and wires. Patients also need to avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage braces or break wires.
Keeping a log of home care is motivating as it tracks process. Visiting the orthodontist on schedule for tightening and adjustments also monitors hygiene efforts. Using wax on sore spots from new wires and avoiding chewing on hard objects protects teeth and brace hardware. With diligence, braces provide straighter longer lasting smiles when treatment ends.
Clean Braces Effectively
5 easy tips to clean braces effectively
- Use a soft toothbrush. Use a toothbrush with soft, flexible bristles made for cleaning around braces. Hard bristles can damage gum tissue.
- Brush at a 45 degree angle. Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and teeth. Gently brush over each tooth and below, above and behind brackets.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Old toothbrushes start to lose bristles and become less effective at removing plaque.
- Floss daily. Getting dental floss or floss threaders between teeth and under wires is important for cleaning places toothbrush can’t reach.
- Use mouthwash. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing helps kill germs in hard to clean areas. Look for one recommended by your orthodontist.
Regular cleaning is key to keeping braces and teeth healthy during treatment. Taking a little extra time to properly brush and floss braces every day pays off.
What Foods To Avoid While Wearing Braces?
The hardest foods to eat with braces involve things that get stuck, break or pull on wires and brackets. Gum, popcorn, nuts, hard breads and chewy candies should be avoided as they can get caught. Taffy or caramels risk pulling wires out of place. Raw veggies like carrots are difficult to eat without possibly damaging braces.
Crunchy foods like chips or hard shelled tacos can break brackets or wires so it’s best to crush or cut them into smaller pieces first before eating. Avoid hard items like ice or frozen treats which could cause wires to cut into gums. Don’t chew on pens, pencils, or fingernails as they may damage braces over time. Sticky foods also pose a risk of getting stuck in braces.
When To Expect Braces Removal?
Braces treatment time usually lasts 12-24 months but depends on individual case complexity and progress achieved. Most orthodontists estimate removal within 2 years or less. Regular monthly checkups allow adjustments and determine when teeth have fully shifted. Braces come off once the bite is corrected and teeth won’t shift further on their own.
Everyone’s treatment requires a final retention and stabilization phase after braces before teeth are considered fully straightened. At the predicted finish date, the orthodontist will inspect for any remaining irregularities and ensure stability before removing brackets and wires for good. Patients should be prepared to potentially need braces longer than estimated if issues require more time.
How To Retain Straightened Teeth After Braces?
After braces are removed, retainers such as clear plastic trays or bonded lingual retainers are usually provided. Wearing these as instructed helps cement the new tooth alignment and prevent shifting back to the original bite. Removable trays go back in nightly for 6 months to a year.
Long term success requires keeping up good oral hygiene and annual dental checkups. Retainers may need replacing if lost or damaged. Some orthodontic retainers are permanent like bonded lingual retainers. Lifestyle habits like avoiding hard chewing gum can impact long term stability. Following the orthodontist’s post braces instructions keeps straightened teeth that way.
Frequently Asked Question
What Are The Different Types Of Braces?
The main types are metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, clear aligners and self-ligating braces.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners are nearly invisible plastic trays that slowly shift teeth into position when worn for 20-22 hours per day.
What Are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces have tiny brackets and wires glued behind the teeth for a hidden look but may hamper speech and cleaning more than other types.
When Are Ceramic Braces Used?
Ceramic braces are commonly used as a more aesthetic option than metal for older patients, but they can cost more with similar effectiveness.
How Do Self-Ligating Braces Differ?
Self-ligating braces have smaller brackets that lock wires in place without elastic ties, requiring fewer trips to the orthodontist for adjustments.
Conclusion
There are several different types of braces that can be used to straighten teeth. The best option depends on factors like the severity of misalignment, cost, and aesthetic concerns. Clear aligners are best for mild cases where visibility isn’t a concern.
Traditional metal braces remain a very effective treatment for moderate to severe misalignment. Ceramic and lingual braces provide less visibility than metal for older patients. Braces technology continues to advance, offering more discrete options that gently move teeth into their proper positions. Overall, choosing the right type of braces involves discussing your specific teeth straightening goals and concerns with an orthodontist.
They can evaluate your dental structure and recommend the approach that will work best in your individual case. With one of the many modern brace systems, patients of any age can achieve beautiful, straight smiles. An orthodontist can straighten even severely crooked teeth with the advances in clear, hidden, or self-ligating braces options.
